Double Stroller Explained In Less Than 140 Characters

How Easy Is It to Push and Fold a Double Stroller?

A double stroller that is well-designed will help you move around whether you're walking with your toddler or running with your twins. However, finding one that is easy to push and fold is essential.

Our Lab experts recommend side-by-side models with equal reclining and plenty of storage space, as well as car seat adapters for infants.

Seating

Seating options are crucial when shopping for a double-stroller. You might want to think about a tandem stroller that allows one child to stand while the other one sits or a side by side option that lets your children sit together.

The seating configuration also impacts your comfort as you navigate through busy streets and sidewalks. You should consider a stroller with reclined seats, reclined footrests and large canopy that provides shade for both passengers. Also, don't hang bags on the handlebars since they could alter the stroller's center of gravity and increase tipping.

Double strollers of good quality will also come with convenient storage compartments to store your essentials. Look for storage spaces under the seats or in the backs of the seats. These are great places to store your snacks, toys, and other essentials. Parents consoles and bags that are attached to handles are also helpful for keeping essentials within reach when you go for walks or outings.

If you have children close in age, a stroller that is side-by-side could be the best choice. They're generally more stable than stacking models and offer better sightlines for both passengers. Some options can accommodate two infant car seats, allowing you to take your sleepy children from the car to the pram without disturbing them.

Sit-and-stand strollers are a great option for parents with older children who don't mind their children sitting separately and who like some freedom. They can also permit a larger child to ride in the front. This kind of double stroller generally isn't suitable for newborns and could require more maintenance as years progress, but it can be a great option for families with active children who require the flexibility of an individual stroller that converts to a two-kid version.

The top double strollers will be robust and easy to maneuver even in muddy terrain or narrow spaces. They are also lightweight, foldable and parent facing pushchair compact for easy storage in your garage or trunk. This makes them easy to transport when traveling. They also have sturdy construction to ensure the longevity and safety of your children, and they are compliant with the American Academy of Pediatricians' (AAP) guidelines for safety.

Canopy

A canopy protects both passengers from the sun, pushchairs and some models offer an apron that protects children's faces. Models with huge shades like the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double earned our top scores for their canopy options. Both models have plenty of coverage and protect children from head to toe, while inline models often skimp on shade or only have a single canopy that only covers one seat. This can be problematic for siblings that want different levels of protection.

Most of our top-rated canopys fit onto strollers easily. Check the dimensions of the canopy prior to buying, as some may need extra space to extend fully and avoid hitting the handles.

Some parents prefer a double stroller that includes a bassinet and car seat adapters, as well as other add-ons to provide them with more options in the future. For example the UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double features a toddler seat and an additional RumbleSeat which makes it a perfect choice for families with twins or children who require the transport of more than two children at the same time. This stroller has the unique sit and stand arrangement for older children who prefer to travel alone.

Other accessories that can help make your stroller more useful include parent consoles or bags that organize, which allow you to keep your essentials in reach. They're especially useful for strollers that aren't used frequently, when you might want to store snacks and toys away from prying eyes. Some of these accessories can be secured using straps or snaps that makes it simple to remove them once you're ready to use the stroller again.

If you're planning on investing in a long-term plan opt for a double stroller that is compatible with infant car seats and will grow into a toddler stroller that has a bench seat or glider board. The Graco RoomFor2 Travel System and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Duallie both feature a car seat-compatible bassinet as well as a toddler seat and RumbleSeat. Both are able to be expanded into a triple stroller (go here) with the addition of a running board, which is ideal for families with an active child who likes to be on the move.

Wheels

The kind of wheels a stroller is equipped with can make an impact on how easy it is to push. In general, larger wheels are easier for you to maneuver and will be able to tackle an array of terrain. The material that the wheels are made from also plays a role in how difficult or simple they are to push. Rubber wheels are more durable than plastic wheels and are able to handle rougher surfaces.

Stroller wheels come in various styles, sizes and materials to suit a variety of requirements and environments. For instance, swivel wheels can make it easier to navigate narrow spaces and tight turns. Fixed-wheels are more stable and ideal for smooth surfaces. If you plan to use your stroller on rough terrain or off-road air-filled tires are better than the standard rubber tires. These tires are similar to bicycle tires, double pram Pushchair which absorb shocks for better comfort on the road.

Side-by-side double strollers are larger than tandem strollers and Baby Essentials are difficult to fit through narrow doorways or crowded aisles in stores. They provide your children with the same amount of space to sit and let them stretch their legs. They're generally also easier to steer and maneuver than tandem strollers.

If you plan to use your stroller as a running or bike then you should choose a double jogger that comes with special all-terrain wheels or jogging tires. These tires are bigger and thicker, and come with sealed ball bearings for an easier ride on rough surfaces. Certain models, such as the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, are compatible with car seats, that allow you to run with your children securely strapped in their car seats.

Other all-terrain/jogging duos, such as the Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X, accept the addition of a second seat, but they're generally too bulky to be considered umbrella doubles. Also, in our testing the restraint buckles on this model were among the hardest to secure, which could be a problem when you're trying to fit two kids into the stroller at once. This stroller is priced higher than the top single to tandem model, but it comes with high-quality materials as well as a reasonable resale price.

Storage

A quality double stroller will have enough storage space for both parents and children. Lack of storage space could make it difficult for parents to complete around and carry all the gear they need to enjoy a day out with the family. In our Lab tests, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored very well in this measurement, with a large and easily accessible basket that can accommodate up to 30 lbs.

Strollers that have pockets or compartments that are multiple can help families keep the track of small things, like keys, phones, and wallets. A parent console or organizer bag that attaches to the stroller's handlebars can be a convenient method for parents to keep their personal belongings while outing with their children.

The UPPAbaby vista comes with a large basket and can carry two car seats for infants. (Not both bassinets, though.) It also features a telescoping bar and brakes that are easy to use. It also has the highest weight capacity in our lineup, and an adjustable fold that will fit the majority of door frames.

On the other hand, our testers found that the wagon-style Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite has a great adjustable handlebar, ideal for parents with different heights. The wagon also has two UV screens that fold down to offer full sun coverage, and its snack tray and cup holders can accommodate a lot of bottles and snacks for children.

The biggest challenge with any stroller is folding it it back in shape after you've used it. This is especially true for those who have a baby or toddler with you. It's essential to pick a stroller that folds easily and smoothly. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Evenflo Pivot Xpand both feature an easy-to-use, single-handed mechanism that lets parents quickly and easily fold their strollers regardless of the configuration they are in.

Double strollers may seem like an investment that is costly, but parents who plan to use it for several years will pay more than single strollers. It is also important to determine if the stroller can be disassembled for easier storage and transportation. This is important when you have a limited space in your home or vehicle.